The evolution in Europe towards more competence-based curricula in the last ten years or so is the result of several exogenous factors and a determined European policy. The Reference Framework of Key Competences for Lifelong Learning, a Recommendation approved by the European Parliament and the Council in 2006, and the work carried out within the…

A discussion of educational reform in Central and Eastern Europe in general, and Romania in particular, suggests four distinct reform stages: destructuring (1990); stabilization (1991-92); restructuring (1993-95); and counterreform (after 1993). Political, social, and economic attitudes and actions characterizing these stages are examined. (MSE)

A discussion of secondary education curriculum reform, particularly in Eastern and Central Europe, examines potentially conflicting concerns characterizing the current reform debate: stronger national policies alongside calls for curricula responsive to local needs; broad versus core curricula; central versus decentralized control of assessment;…

The public agencies and individuals influencing British educational policy and some weaknesses of this system are examined with reference to educational technology. Characteristics of the government agency established to recommend policy for use of educational technology are outlined, and some perspectives are given on future development.…

Choices to be made in the formation of national policies for computer use in education, in all countries, are outlined. They include the issues of curriculum priorities, need for broad computer literacy versus specialization, educational level for introduction, teacher training, software development, hardware needs, coordination, and locus of…

Through the actions of several complementary bodies and at all educational levels, microelectronics and microcomputing in Scotland are being developed quickly and broadly. However, two problems remain: production, collection, and distribution of quality software and training the majority of teachers. (Author/MSE)

An analysis of recent changes in Bulgarian secondary education looks at several major trends in: the structure of the formal education system; new curricula and conditions for implementation; financing and management of the system; and problems with school staffing. A period of transition characterized by some instability and occasional crises is…

Proposed reform of Swedish teacher education is a mixture of support for educational excellence, for more comprehensive compulsory school teacher education, and for equal access to pre-service and inservice teacher education facilities, but overemphasis on geographical accessibility threatens the program's comprehensiveness. (MSE)